Example of a map showing coastal flooding hazards for the current timeframe (Sainte-Anne).
© BRGM
The need
BRGM was asked by the Guadeloupe DEAL to characterise coastal flooding hazards in the seven municipalities falling within the scope of the PAPI programme for the Grands-Fonds and the central area at substantial risk of flooding. This area includes the municipalities of Le Moule, Sainte-Anne, Gosier, Pointe-à-Pitre, Baie-Mahault, Les Abymes and Morne-à-l'Eau. Conducted as part of the revision of the Risk Prevention Plans (PPR) for Guadeloupe, the mapping takes account of the impact of climate change up to 2100.
The results
The methodology adopted for the study complies with the directives set out in the 2014 methodological guide published by the Ministry of the Environment. The cyclone database developed by BRGM as part of the CaribCoast project was used to select the reference events. Wave propagation and water levels were then modelled using the UHAINA numerical model, developed by a consortium including BRGM. By implementing an appropriate methodology with recent, high-performance tools, it was possible to draw up maps showing coastal flooding hazards for the current period through to 2100, taking account of the impact of rising sea levels.
Coastal flooding during Hurricane Maria (Basseterre, 2017).
© DEAL de Guadeloupe
Using the results
The results of this study provide government departments with the tools they need to assess the vulnerability of local populations to the risk of coastal flooding in the areas studied. Using the hazard maps produced, they will be able to establish regulatory zoning as part of the preparation of PPRs, as well as developing crisis management strategies and adaptation plans for inhabited areas, in order to strengthen regional resilience in response to this risk.
The partners
- Guadeloupe DEAL
